6,000 H.P. Diesel Hydraulic Locomotive

The Peking February 7 Locomotive and Rolling Stock Plant has built a 6,000 h.p. diesel hydraulic locomotive. Its diesel engine, starting-generator, hydraulic transmission, brakes and bogie are fairly advanced. The main features of the locomotive are its simple structure, good traction, low fuel consumption and it is easy to operate. Old China had no rolling stock industry, even the main spare parts had to be imported. The industry was set up gradually after liberation and steam locomotives have been turned out in large numbers. Batch production of diesel locomotives began in the mid-6Ui and electric locomotives were also manufactured. In recent years, the one hour rating 4,800 kw. (6,500 h.p.) Shaoshan No. 2 electric locomotive with silicon-controlled rectifiers was produced. Designing of the 6,000 h.p. diesel hydraulic locomotive began at the end of 1961: and it was completed on the eve of National Day 1970. After more than a year of trial runs the functioning and structure of the locomotive proved to be fairly good. Manufacture of such a powerful locomotive is of great importance in the further development of China's railway, especially in mountainous areas.